One week ago Monday, superstorm Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast hard, leaving incalculable damage in its wake.
While some areas are on their way to recovery, a number of places throughout New York and New Jersey are struggling to rebuild.
If you're hoping to get involved with relief efforts, but aren't quite sure where to start, consider donating money, goods — or a little bit of your time! — to one of these organizations helping victims move forward post-Sandy:
Giving money to the American Red Cross is as simple as texting "Redcross" to 90999, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or visiting www.redcross.org.
In order to focus on aiding Sandy's victims, the Red Cross had to cancel more than 100 blood drives throughout New York and New Jersey — meaning blood supplies are low. If you live in New York or New Jersey, consider giving blood at a local emergency blood drive. (Check out www.bloodnj.org or www.nybloodcenter.org for more info.)
The United Way has established its own Hurricane Sandy recovery fund. To contribute, visit uwsandyrecovery.org, or text RECOVERY to 52000.
Last week, Breezy Point — located in Queens, NY — was hit doubly hard during the storm. In addition to dealing with intense flooding, more than 100 homes burned to the ground (because of the floodwaters, firefighters were unable to reach the blaze in time). Help Breezy Point residents clean up and rebuild by visiting The Breezy Point Hurricane Sandy Relief, or by mailing monetary donations to:
Breezy Point Cooperative Disaster Relief Fund
Lee and Kane
2175 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11234
(The organization also seeks work gloves, black contractor bags, flashlights, batteries, masks, mops, brooms, soap buckets and duck tape. Please send goods to:
Silver Gull Beach Club
1 Beach 193rd Street
Far Rockaway, NY 11697)
Hoping to volunteer with an organization working on the ground in a Sandy-affected area? Visit Volunteer Match or New York Cares for a list of projects near you.
